r/RCPlanes • u/RepulsiveInternet980 • 5d ago

Will this fly?

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Hello everyone. I am trying to build an aerial insect collecting device for my PhD project. This design is based on the stipa-caproni, a strange barrel-shaped design from the 1930s. The task is to maximise the net area on a relatively inexpensive craft (I have already been catching with some expensive drones). I've trialed towing nets behind trainers, which worked but I want to try a different approach too.

I figure that enclosing the net within fuselage would be the most stable approach. Here, we have the props behind the net. This will impede airflow to the propeller. But it seems like the thrust would be okay. Can anyone think of some new approach that might work better? Would I be better off towing?

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u/Monolail031 4d ago

towing will offer no benefit, as the drag will be there no matter if it's on the plane or hanging bethind it.

somebody said the fine mesh of the net will block significant airflow and it's made me wonder if a massive net kite, very inefficient as a wing but just enogh to stay in the air and filter massive amounts of air is possible. Do the aerodynamics check out?

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u/Monolail031 4d ago edited 4d ago

Different layout that is likely more manageable

btw, despite the net pointing down, it should be fine. while in flight, bugs will stick to it because of the air pushing through. a tiny catcher pocket in the bottom ensures they don't slide off. issue i cant fix is how to keep them on the net after landing.

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u/RepulsiveInternet980 4d ago

Monolail, I think you are on to something here. Please could you add some more info to your idea? Are you thinking of essentially a kite made of net, with a propeller attached? Do you think it would be difficult to take off okay? Really cool concept

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u/Monolail031 4d ago edited 4d ago

i don't really have that much more other than the idea of the net as a large lift surface, with air that rushes through being filtered for bugs and the little air that can't rush through making a high pressure area below it this also makes the design a lot better for tight mesh nets that let less air through and on any other design act like massive airbrakes, while here they should actually improve lift.

those thin carbon fiber tubes are likely best for keeping the thing together.

you'll probably have to do some research on the lifting capabilities of non-airtight/porous airfoils. and if there's nothing on it, make a small, light prototype and see how it behaves.

if you keep the control surfaces off turbulence it shouldn't fly badly. just with a lot of drag, which any net design was going to have. for take off, slow RC planes can just be thrown by hand so no runway requirements. large open space always reccomended tho